Sample Paper P000125 – Writing Mark Scheme

NCFE Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1 – 501/1660/5

Writing Skill standard / Coverage and range (C&R) / Total marks
Write a range of texts to communicate information, ideas and opinions using formats and styles suitable for their purpose and audience / 1.3.1 Write clearly and coherently, including an appropriate level of detail. / 8
1.3.2 Present information in a logical sequence / 12
1.3.3 Use language, format and structure suitable for purpose and audience / 6
1.3.4 Use correct grammar, including correct and consistent use of tense / 18
1.3.5 Ensure written work includes generally accurate punctuation and spelling and that meaning is clear
TOTAL / 44

Pass mark 30/44 (68%)

Markers’ Briefing Note:

Marks are awarded for ‘independent construction of written text to communicate in a purposeful context’. Whilst the candidate may use the content of the Source Documents to inform their writing, the Writing Activities do not assess Reading skills. Candidates are expected to produce an open response. Depending on the context of the activity, a candidate may support either side of an argument, or adopt any well-reasoned stance, using the Source Documents and/or their own ideas and experiences. What should be assessed is their ability to do so whilst meeting all the coverage and range criteria of the Writing Skill Standard.

Writing Activity 1: Writing a brief progress report / Marks / C&R
The candidate has written an appropriately addressed report to the Parish Council / 1 / 1.3.1
1.3.2
The report contains suitable headings / 1
Details of the meeting and numbers attended are accurately reported / 1
At least 2 examples of positive responses are quoted / 2
At least 2 examples of negative responses are quoted / 2
It is reported that positive responses outnumbered negative responses 3 to 1 / 1
Mr Bramley’s generous donation of £1500 is reported / 1
Events are described in a logical sequence / 1
The candidate wrote using
·  language
·  format – minimum 3 headings
·  structure must be paragraphed
fit for purpose i.e. formal informative report of progress. / 1
1
1 / 1.3.3
The candidate wrote using correct grammar and tense with generally accurate punctuation, spelling and accuracy of meaning. / 9
(See page 3) / 1.3.4
1.3.5
Total marks available / 22
Writing Activity 2: Writing a letter of thanks. / Marks / C&R
The letter is correctly addressed: ‘Dear Mr Bramley’ (1)
with acceptable salutations e.g.: ‘Yours sincerely’ (1) / 2 / 1.3.1
1.3.2
Gives accurate details of numbers attended the meeting / 1
Explains that the group is made up entirely of volunteers / 1
Gives at least one example of a positive response (1)
Gives at least one example of a negative response (1)
Mentions the age of the person responding (1)
Explains that the positive responses outnumbered the negative (1) / 4
Remembers to thank Mr Bramley for his generous donation / 1
Promises to keep Mr Bramley informed / 1
The candidate wrote using
·  language
·  format - must be clearly sequenced
·  structure (including two addresses and date)
fit for purpose i.e. grateful, informative and well structured. / 1
1
1 / 1.3.3
The candidate wrote using correct grammar and tense with generally accurate punctuation, spelling and accuracy of meaning. / 9
(see below) / 1.3.4
1.3.5
Total marks available / 22

Marking guidance for spelling, punctuation, grammar and clarity and complexity at Level 1

/

Marks available

SPELLING
(Judgement is related to those spellings to be expected at Level 1. Candidates should not be penalised for failing to spell correctly words usually associated with Level 2. Zero marks can be awarded if there is no progression from Entry 3) / The candidate spells: / 1
with at least 50% accuracy, i.e. the spelling of simple words is mostly accurate
with at least 75% accuracy, i.e. the spelling of regular, common words is usually accurate / 2
virtual total accuracy, i.e. all spelling of regular, common words is accurate / 3
PUNCTUATION
(Judgement is related to the punctuation be expected at Level 1. Candidates should not be penalised for incorrectly using commas and apostrophes usually associated with Level 2. Zero marks can be awarded if there is no progression from Entry 3) / The candidate punctuates: /

1

with at least 50% accuracy, i.e. full stops and capital letters are sometimes used accurately
with at least 75% accuracy, i.e. a range of punctuation including full stops, capital letters, commas and question marks is used accurately most of the time /

2

with almost faultless accuracy, i.e. a range of punctuation including full stops, capital letters, commas and question marks is generally used accurately /

3

GRAMMAR

(Judgement is related to the grammar to be expected at Level 1 i.e. subject verb agreement and correct and consistent use of tense. Zero marks can be awarded if there is no progression from Entry 3)

/ The candidate uses grammar: /

1

with at least 50% accuracy, i.e. there may be some basic grammatical errors in e.g. subject-verb agreement or consistency of tenses
with at least 75% accuracy, i.e. subject-verb agreement and consistent use of tenses and pronouns, although there may be some errors /

2

with almost total accuracy, i.e. subject-verb agreement, consistent use of tenses and pronouns - any errors stand out as untypical or “one-off” mistakes /

3

3